FASHION SCHOOL | SNEAKER HISTORY

Do you recognize the feeling when you put on a fresh pair of sneakers and feel like you can conquer the world? Might seem a little foolish, but I do. The smell of fresh leather is truly something special. I have to admit that my favorite footwear are black boots, but sneakers are a worthy second. My favorite sneakers at the moment are my Adidas Superstars. I have worn them so much the last three months though, that I am a little embarrassed to put them on sometimes. My Nike Free's are starting to become a little dodgy, but I still wear them quite a lot. Cannot get enough of that simple black and white design. Which is exactly what I like about my Adidas by the way. I dare to say that I am quite minimalistic when it comes to sneakers. No colorful party going on at my feet. But before going on and on about my sneaker preferences, let's start with a little history.

WHY SNEAKERS ARE CALLED SNEAKERS

Although most of us wear them on a daily basis, I bet only few know where the sneaker got its name. The history of the sneaker goes way back. They were first mass produced in 1917's America, but even before, sneakers were common footwear. People started wearing shoes with rubber soles back in the 18th century! As boots, heels and brogues made a whole lot of noise when walking - as a Boardwalk Empire fan I imagine on a boardwalk - sneakers were pretty quiet because of its soft sole. So....no one would hear you when you'd sneak up on them. Funny right? Got to appreciate a fashion fun fact. And did you know that Converse started producing their sneakers back in 1917 too?

THE RISE OF THE BIG SNEAKER BRANDS

The fact that we - I mean the people on the European continent - are wearing those comfy shoes today is all thanks to a German guy named Adi. Adi Dasler. Yes, your right! Adi Dasler is the inventor of the Adidas brand! Who else could have thought of such a cool name, but a German guy that was named like that? And it can only be fate that Adi's brother - Rudi - started that other famous European sneaker brand Puma. 

But what about my favorite sneaker brand of all time: Nike? Nike was founded in 1962, but was first called Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). Their founders soon realized that that would probably not be the most innovative name of all time and changed it to Nikè in 1978. For the ones that do not know Nikè; she was the Greek goddess of victory. Nike sales really started taking off in 1984 though, when Michael Jordan wore his Nike Air Jordans that are still one of the best selling models up to this day. And when Nike introduced their Nike Air force with little pockets of gas in order to give the customer a little extra comfort, Nike was here to stay.

SHOPPING FOR NEW ONES

So why do I tell you all this? First of all, because I think that a little history can never do wrong. But second of all, I am on the hunt for a new addition to my minimalistic sneaker family. Black or white nike Air Force's have gotten my attention, but there is so much more on the sneaker market to choose from. 

Therefore, I leave you this Easter Sunday with a shitload of sneaker and outfit inspiration so that you and I can make up our minds about what are the best sneakers to conquer this years festivals, rock some serious street style and dance all night in the club. (Did I tell you about Club NYX before? Visit!)

Which pair is your favorite?

Happy Easter!

-xoxo-

JP

SNEAKERS | NIKE FREE 5.0 JEANS | ZARA TOP | H&M SUNNIES | SANDRO

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